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Forrest J. Ackerman papers, 1920-1987

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Ackerman, Forrest J.
Title
Forrest J. Ackerman papers
Dates
1920-1987 (inclusive)
Quantity
94.04 cubic ft. (184 boxes)
Collection Number
02358
Summary
Collection contains materials relating to Ackerman's long career as a promoter and collector of science fiction, including correspondence with writers and fans.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

Forrest James Ackerman, or as he preferred to be called “Forrest J Ackerman” (with no period after his middle initial), was a collector, writer, editor, literary agent, actor, and producer. He published the first science fiction fan magazine (fanzine) in 1932. From 1958 to 1982 he edited "Famous Monsters of Filmland" fanzine. In 1947 Ackerman created a science fiction literary agency. Ackerman was well known for amassing a large collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror memorabilia including books, magazines, movie props, and posters. He attended the first World Science Fiction Convention in 1939 and continued to attend fan conventions annually. Ackerman helped create the "fandom" subculture by starting the first science fiction fan club in 1930. He claimed to have coined the term "sci-fi." In 1953 Ackerman was given the only Hugo award for “#1 Fan Personality.” With his wife, Wendayne, Ackerman translated and published the popular German "Perry Rhodan" series into English. Ackerman went by a number of pen names as well as nicknames including "Forry," "The Ackermonster," and "4e."

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Content Description

The collection contains materials relating to Ackerman's long career in science fiction (1941-1987) plus a portion of his memorabilia collection (ca. 1920-1987). Correspondence is both personal and professional with many notables in the field concerning his many projects. There is a large amount of fan mail mainly responding to "Famous Monsters" fanzine. Included are photographs of Ackerman, manuscripts including some of "Perry Rhodan" books, and reel-to-reel tapes of speeches at the 1970 Count Dracula Society meeting. There is also an index compiled by Ackerman of sci-fi and fantasy books published from 1947 to ca. 1980.

Memorabilia consists of advertising and promotional material including movie posters, lobby cards, hand bills and pressbooks for many science fiction, fantasy and horror movies from the silent era through the late 1980s. There are photographs of movie stars and movie and television stills. Also included are scripts for the "Planet of the Apes" series of movies, and television scripts for "Lost in Space," "Star Trek," "The Outer Limits," "Circle of Fear" and "Night Stalker."

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Restrictions on Use

Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in Collections

The American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.

Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Alternative Forms Available

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital reproductions of select material from this collection are available at http://digitalcollections.uwyo.edu:8180/luna/servlet/uwydbuwy~81~81.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

There is also a collection of Forrest J Ackerman correspondence at Syracuse University.

Acquisition Information

This material was received from Forrest and Wendayne Ackerman and Paul J. Brown, 1967-1987.

Processing Note

The collection was processed by Keith Reynolds in December, 2011.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

Processed by Keith Reynolds
2011

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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